This year, there are more than 250 expert speakers and an estimated 5,000 attendees across both days. It will be crowded, and if you’re not prepared or organised with your time, you could end up missing out on the best sessions for your sector – or meetings with people key to your business. To help you make the most of your time and maximise your learning experience, here are some essential tips:
Before the Conference
Networking Targets: Create a list of specific individuals or companies you want to connect with. With upwards of 250 speakers – and 5000 delegates, you will need to be very discerning when it comes to getting the most out of your meeting schedule. Visit the Speaker’s List, and make a note of your top 5 to have a meeting with. Next, go to the conference app, Brella – and start scheduling meetings as soon as possible. The top speakers often only stay for a limited time at the conference and they will also be in huge demand. The sooner you send that meeting request out, the better!
Prioritise Sessions: Identify the sessions that align with your professional goals and interests. Check out the Insurtech Insights Agenda list which has all the sessions listed along with the speakers – some information on the presentation itself – and also which stage it’s being held on.
“Manage Your Time Wisely. Make sure to allow time for impromptu meetings or much-needed breaks so do not overbook yourself with meetings. Be prepared to adjust your schedule if high-value opportunities arise by setting the right priorities.”
Sabine VanderLinden, Alchemy Crew
Download the Conference App: Use the official app to navigate the event, find sessions, and connect with attendees. We’ll say it again – because it really will carry you through the entire process so much more efficiently. Brella registered an incredible 20,000 meetings at our previous conferences in both Europe and New York. Wowzers!
Key Takeaways: Determine what you want to learn or achieve from the conference and get busy making it happen BEFORE the conference.
“Plan meetings in advance and leave room for unexpected discussions and/or reconnections with people you already know. Make sure you attend the opening keynote, arrive early on day 1 – and use the app, it works surprisingly well!”
Florian Graillot of astoryaVC
During the Conference
Attend Networking Events: Participate in social events and networking sessions to connect with industry professionals. Insurtech Insights is a hugely fun and sociable event – as well as a conference that provides massive business value. There are a wide range of social events happening, set up by sponsors and by our own teams, to make conversations more fun and productive.
If you’re an early bird, check out Yoga with Nutan. Both activities ensure you’ll enjoy an early start, a healthy breakfast, and probably several crucial meetings before the day event starts.
For Insurtech Insights Asia 2024, FWD is sponsoring the morning yoga session, which will take place at the Kerry Hotel, outside on the fourth floor with panoramic views of the harbour, at 7:30am, followed by breakfast. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot here: https://lu.ma/31raapsx
“Arrive with a well-defined agenda and prepared discussion points. This methodical strategy enables efficient navigation of the event landscape, maximizing opportunities for meaningful professional connections and potential business collaborations. By leveraging these tactics, you’ll position yourself to extract maximum value from large-scale conferences and networking opportunities.”
Gil Arazi, Founder and Managing Director of FinTLV,
Prioritise Your Well-being
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It goes without saying for some. But if you are battling jetlag and have a busy schedule to get thorough, make sure you stay hydrated. Dehydration is a major cause of fatigue, headaches and brain fog – none of which are helpful when you have 20 meetings scheduled in. Luckily, the conference hospitality is incredible – and there are water stations positioned within easy reach throughout the venue. Make sure you add a slice of lemon to boost the Vitamin C levels too.
Eat Healthy: Making sure you don’t skip a meal due to work commitments is also essential. Got to make time for a sit down with a CEO you’ve been chasing for months? No problem! The conference meals are buffet style and you can grab a plate on the go or stand at one of the nearby networking tables for an informal meal. Opt for nutritious food to keep your energy levels up. There is always a spectacular array of salads, seafood and mains, prepared by the five-star chefs, to meet your appetite.
Take Breaks: After a few hours of non-stop talking, hand shaking and in-depth business talk, you’ll likely find your throat getting dry and your feet getting sore. Step away from the crowd to recharge. Just a 10 minute sit down with a cold drink can be enough to clear your head for the next meeting.
Dress for success: And by that, we mean with comfort in mind. While it’s important to be well turned out to make a good impression on new business contacts, you must be practical. Conferences involve a lot of standing and walking. The average step count for a day at an Insurtech Insights event is 15,000. If your shoes are too tight – or the heels are too high, you won’t be able to go the distance. The most seasoned conference attendees usually opt for smart casual attire – accompanied by sneakers.
Insurtech Insights 2025 is all about innovation and connection—so leave the suits and ties at home! Dress casually, bring your best ideas, and get ready for an incredible two-day experience.
Danilo Raponi, Group Head of Innovation, Generali
Document Your Experience:
Take Notes: There is so much to take in that unless you have a photographic memory, much will be lost without due consideration. Record your key takeaways from sessions and meetings. Jot down key points and potentially even write up your notes after each day – organising your thoughts while they are fresh in your mind.
Capture Moments: Take photos of interesting exhibits, speakers, and networking opportunities. These can be posted to social media on the day – or for an event round up afterwards. It’s always helpful to document who that person was that you had the ‘eureka’ conversation with. And it’s even better to tag them in on your Linkedin post after the event to reconnect.
Share Your Insights: Post about your experiences on social media using relevant hashtags. You will learn a lot, and sharing those insights with your network will bring added value to the entire experience.
Follow Up: After the conference, send personalised emails or LinkedIn messages to maintain relationships. This is super important. How many times do we say ‘I’ll call you’ and then leave it too long to re-engage. A good way to stay on top of the new connections is to make a point of contacting people within a week of the event, so that YOU are still fresh in their minds too.
“The success (or not) of a conference is often settled before the doors open – you’ve got to do the work before you get there to set up meetings and let people know that you’re attending, and why they should be meeting with you over the thousands of other people they could meet.”
Daniel Grimwood-Bird, CRO, MAPTYCS
And there you have it, a survival guide for the conference jungle. Remember, while business cards and elevator pitches are important, don’t forget to have a little fun. After all, a conference is a great place to network, learn, and maybe even make a few lifelong friends (or at least some interesting Twitter followers).
Report by Joanna England
